Protective and decorative sleeves for shoes

ABSTRACT

The present application is directed to an apparatus that includes a sleeve. The sleeve is configured to be removably attached to a heel of a shoe to cover at least a portion of the heel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional Application No. 62/694,917 filed Jul. 6, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This application relates generally to footwear and accessories, and in particular a protective and decorative sleeve for a shoe.

BACKGROUND

For millions of women, high heels are among the most expensive footwear they own. Maintaining a broad range of styles and colors can cost more money, and occupy more closet space than the user would prefer to invest. These shoes can also be easily damaged due to ordinary wear and tear, especially at vulnerable areas on the shoes such as the heel. Further, shoes with laces on them often have those laces subjected to damage and wear from water, dirt or other environmental elements

Shoes may benefit from improvements.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes a sleeve. The sleeve is configured to be removably attached to a heel of a shoe to cover at least a portion of the heel.

In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a shoe. The shoe includes a body and a heel. The apparatus further includes a sleeve. The sleeve is removably secured to the heel and covers at least a portion of the heel.

In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a shoelace cover. The shoelace cover is configured to removably fit on a shoe over shoelaces of the shoe.

Other aspects of the disclosed invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment affixed to a shoe, displaying the decorative sleeve 10A, the strap 11, and the shoe 12.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment affixed to a shoe, displaying the protective sleeve 10B and the shoe 12.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the decorative sleeve 10A, and the strap 11.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the decorative sleeve 10A, the strap 11, and the apertures 11A.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the second exemplary embodiment affixed to a shoe, displaying the protective sleeve 10B, and the shoe 12.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment affixed to a shoe, displaying the protective sleeve 10B, and the shoe 12.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment, displaying the protective sleeve 10B.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment, displaying the protective sleeve 10B.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the third exemplary embodiment removed from a shoe, displaying the shoelace cover 10C, the shoe 12′, and the shoelaces 13.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the third exemplary embodiment affixed to a shoe, displaying the shoelace cover 10C and the shoe 12′.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment affixed to a shoe.

FIG. 14 is a an exploded view of a portion of the fourth exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13

FIG. 15 is a side view of a fifth exemplary embodiment affixed to a shoe.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a sixth exemplary embodiment affixed to a shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described example embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the example embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments, as claimed, but is merely representative of example embodiments.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obfuscation. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain example embodiments.

Throughout the present description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “forward”, “rear”, and “rearward” shall define directions or orientations with respect to the shoe as illustrated in FIG. 3. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “forward”, “rear”, and “rearward” are intended to encompass different orientations of the shoe in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the shoe in the figures is turned over, elements described as “upper” elements or features would then be “lower” elements or features.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, and 3-6, a first exemplary embodiment is provided. This embodiment comprises an apparatus 1 that comprises a pair of high heel shoes 12 which may be worn by a user. The shoe includes a body 22 and a heel 20 (FIG. 9). The heel 20 includes a bottom surface 60 (FIG. 4), a top surface 62 (FIG. 9), and a side surface 64 (FIG. 4) extending between the top surface 62 and the bottom surface 60. The heel 20 is affixed at the top surface 62 of the heel 20 to the underside of the shoe 12 at the rear of the shoe 12. The bottom surface of the heel contacts the ground when a user walks. A pair of flexible decorative sleeves 10A are affixed to the pair of high heel shoes 12. Each decorative sleeve 10A includes an ankle strap 11 that extends around the ankle of the user to removably secure the sleeve 10A to the shoe 12 worn on the user. Preferably, the decorative sleeves 10A are provided in a color which contrasts or coordinates with the color of the shoes 12, such that the decorative sleeves 10A alter the appearance of the shoes 12. The sleeve 10A covers the side surface 64 of the heel 20 of the shoe 12. Alternatively, the sleeve may also cover the bottom surface 60 of the heel. The sleeve 10A also covers the rear portion of the body 22 of the shoe 12. The rear portion of the sleeve 10A may include apertures 11A that extend downwardly from the upper end of the sleeve. To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may affix the appropriate decorative sleeve 10A to each shoe 12, secure the straps 11 around the ankles, and wear the shoes 12. The decorative sleeves 10A are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material such as leather, suede, or nylon fabric.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7-10, a second exemplary embodiment is provided. This embodiment comprises an apparatus 2 that comprises the pair of high heel shoes 12 which may be worn by a user. The high heel shoes 12 are similar to that of the first embodiment. A pair of rigid protective sleeves 10B may be affixed to the pair of high heel shoes 12. In this embodiment, the protective sleeves 10B do not include a strap 11 around the ankle. However, alternatively, this embodiment may be modified to include the strap. Preferably, the protective sleeves 10B are provided in a configuration which covers and protects the heel 20 and other vulnerable areas of the shoe 12. The sleeve 10B covers the side surface 64 of the heel 20 of the shoe 12. Alternatively, the sleeve may also cover the bottom surface 60 of the heel 20. The sleeve 10B also covers the rear portion of the body 22 of the shoe 12. The protective sleeves 10B are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials such as steel, brass, and aluminum alloy. To use the second exemplary embodiment, the user affixes the protective sleeves 10B to the shoes 12, and wears the shoes 12.

A third exemplary embodiment, intended to cover shoelaces on athletic shoes and men's dress shoes instead of the heel, is also contemplated. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the third exemplary embodiment comprises an apparatus 3 that comprises a shoelace cover 10C which removably fits over the shoelaces 13 of a men's or women's pair of athletic shoes 12′. The shoelace cover 10C fits snugly to prevent the user's shoelaces 13 from dangling and tripping the user, or presenting an unkempt appearance. For example, the shoelace cover 10C may be removably attach to the shoe 12′ by a hook and loop fastener.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrates a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment comprises an apparatus 4 that includes a decorative sleeve 10D and also a heel cap 24. The decorative sleeve 10D is affixed to the high heel shoe 12, which is the same as that described in FIG. 1. The decorative sleeve 10D may include an ankle strap 11 similar to that shown in FIG. 1 that extends around the ankle of the user to removably secure the sleeve 10D to the shoe 12 worn on the user. Preferably, the decorative sleeve 10D is provided in a color which contrasts or coordinates with the color of the shoe 12, such that the decorative sleeve 10D alters the appearance of the shoe 12. The sleeve 10D covers the side surface 64 of the heel 20 of the shoe 12. Alternatively, the sleeve may also cover the bottom surface 60 of the heel 20. The sleeve 10D also covers the rear portion of the body 22 of the shoe 12. The rear portion of the sleeve 10D may optionally include apertures 11A that extend downwardly from the upper end of the sleeve 10D. To use the sleeve 10D, the user may affix the appropriate decorative sleeve 10D to each shoe 12, secure the straps 11 around the ankles, and wear the shoes 12. The decorative sleeves 10D are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material such as leather, suede, or nylon fabric.

The heel cap 24 may be one piece and may be made of a flexible and durable plastic. The heel cap 24 includes a bottom wall 26 and an upstanding side wall 28 that define a recess 30. A generally square shaped cutout 32 is formed at the rear of the heel cap 24. A small aperture 34 is formed on the side wall 28 of the heel cap near the top end. A chain 36 is removably connected to the heel cap 24 and the sleeve 10D to prevent the removal of the heel cap 24 from the sleeve 10D and the shoe 12. In particular, a ring clip 38 extends through the aperture 34 such that it is secured to the heel cap 24. A hook or clip 42 is connected to a link in the chain 12 and is removably secure to the ring clip 38. Another ring clip 38 extends through a looped strap 44 of the decorative sleeve 10D. The looped strap 44 may alternatively be formed by two opposite slits or apertures such as, for example, the apertures 11A of FIG. 6. A hook or clip 42 is connected to a link in the chain 36 and is removably secure to the ring clip 38. The chain 36 also includes a rectangular plate 46 that is connected between two links of the chain and functions as a chain link as well as a label or tag. The chain 36 may be made of metal or of an elastic material that allows it to stretch and urge the heel cap 24 against the heel for a more secure fit. Any suitable type of clip or hook such as a carabiner clip or a snap hook clip may be used to secure the chain 36 to the ring clips 38. To attach the heel cap 24 to the heel 20, a user inserts the bottom of the heel 20 into the recess 30 of the heel cap 24 until the heel 20 contacts the bottom wall 26. The heel cap 24 snugly fits over the bottom portion of the heel. The heel cap 24 additionally protects the bottom potion of the heel of the shoe from wear, tear and other environmental elements. Alternatively, instead of the chain arrangement, other types of fasteners may be used. For example, the heel cap 24 may be removably attached to the sleeve 10D by a hook and loop fastener such as a VELCRO® strap.

FIG. 15 illustrates a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment comprising an apparatus 5 that includes a decorative heel sleeve 10E and the heel cap 24 of the high heel shoe 12. The heel sleeve 10E is similar in structure and function to that of the heel sleeve 10D and covers the same areas of the shoe, but instead of the ankle strap, the sleeve 10E includes a series of small looped straps 48 attached to the upper end of the sleeve 10E. The looped straps 48 may number three and include a rear looped strap and right and left looped straps 48B, 48R, 48L. An ankle strap in the form of a belt 50 maybe inserted through the looped straps 48 for securing to a user's ankle to removably secure the sleeve 10E to the shoe 12 worn on the user. Other types of straps can also be used instead of a belt. FIG. 16 illustrates a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment includes an apparatus 6 that comprises a decorative heel sleeve 10F, the heel cap 24, and a stocking 52. The heel sleeve 10F is similar to that of FIG. 15, but also includes hook closures 54 in which hooks or clips 56 attached to the stocking 52 are removably secured to the hook closures 54. In particular, the stocking 52 includes an elastic band 58 at the upper open end to snugly fit around a leg of the user. The hooks 56 are attached to the lower open end of the stocking 52 and removably secured to the hook closures 54, so that the sleeve 1OF is removably secured to the shoe 12 worn on the user. Any suitable type of clip or hook such as a carabiner clip or a snap hook clip may be used to secure the stocking 52 to the sleeve 10F.

Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

The present invention provides a compact, flexible, safe, and effective device which can be worn on a pair of high heels to either alter the appearance of the shoes or protect them from damage. Protective and decorative sleeves for a woman's high heels, which provide a sleeve covering the heel and may alter the appearance of the shoes for decorative purposes, resolve the above mention problems.

The present invention is directed to protective and decorative sleeves for a woman's high heels. In the first embodiment, the sleeves provide a compact, flexible, safe, and effective covering for the heel, preferably in a color which contrasts or coordinates with the color of the shoe, and further providing a strap around the ankle. In a second embodiment, the sleeves provide a rigid, protective covering to prevent damage to the heel. An alternate embodiment, intended to cover shoelaces on athletic shoes and men's dress shoes, is also disclosed. Other embodiments include further features of the present invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is configured to be removably attached to a heel of a shoe to cover at least a portion of the heel.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an ankle strap, wherein the ankle strap is attached to the sleeve, wherein the ankle strap is configured to be secured around an ankle of the user to removably secure the sleeve to the shoe worn on a user.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a heel cap and a fastener, wherein the heel cap is configured to be removably fitted to the heel, wherein the fastener is removably secured to the heel cap and the sleeve to removably secure the heel cap to the sleeve.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a heel cap, wherein the heel cap is configured to be removably fitted to the heel.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a fastener, wherein the fastener is removably secured to the heel cap and the sleeve to removably secure the heel cap to the sleeve.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising first and second ring clips and first and second hooks, wherein the fastener comprises a chain, wherein the first ring clip is secured to the heel cap and the second ring clip is secure to the sleeve, wherein the first hook is secured to the chain and removably fastened to the first ring clip, wherein the second hook is secured to the chain and removably fastened to the second ring clip.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a stocking, wherein the stocking is removably secured to the sleeve, wherein the stocking is configured to snugly fit around a leg of a user to removably secure the sleeve to the shoe worn on the user.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an ankle strap, wherein the sleeve comprises looped straps, wherein the looped straps receive the ankle strap, wherein the ankle strap is configured to be secured around an ankle of a user to removably secure the sleeve to the shoe worn on the user.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stocking, hooks, and hook closures, wherein the sleeve comprises looped straps, wherein the hook closures are secured to the looped straps, wherein the hooks are secured to the stocking and removably secured to the hook closures to removably secure the sleeve to the stocking, wherein the stocking is configured to snugly fit around a leg of a user to removably secured the sleeve to the shoe worn on the user.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a heel cap and a chain, wherein the heel cap is configured to be removably fitted to the sleeve, wherein the chain is removably secured to the heel cap and the sleeve to removably secure the heel cap to the sleeve, wherein the chain includes a tag.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the heel cap comprises a cut out, wherein the chain is elastic.
 12. An apparatus comprising: a shoe, wherein the shoe includes a body and a heel; and a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is removably secured to the heel and covers at least a portion of the heel.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising an ankle strap, wherein the ankle strap is attached to the sleeve, wherein the ankle strap is configured to be secured around an ankle of the user to removably secure the sleeve to the shoe worn on the user.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a heel cap, wherein the heel cap is removably fitted to the heel.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising a fastener, wherein the fastener is removably secured to the heel cap and the sleeve to removably secure the heel cap to the sleeve.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the fastener comprises a chain.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a stocking, wherein the stocking is removably secured to the sleeve, wherein the stocking is configured to snugly fit around a leg of a user to removably secure the sleeve to the shoe worn on the user.
 18. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising: a heel cap, wherein the heel cap is removably fitted to the heel; a fastener, wherein the fastener is removably secured to the heel cap and the sleeve to removably secure the heel cap to the sleeve. a stocking, wherein the stocking is removably secured to the sleeve, wherein the stocking is configured to snugly fit around a leg of a user to removably secure the sleeve to the shoe worn on the user.
 19. An apparatus comprising: a shoelace cover, wherein the shoelace cover is configured to removably fit on a shoe over shoelaces of the shoe.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising the shoe, wherein the shoe comprises the shoelaces. 